Journal #8

Communication:
"Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. AAC can be a permanent addition to a person's communication or a temporary aid."
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmentative_and_alternative_communication

Talk Blocks are little palm sized blocks that can record up to 30 seconds of recording and can replay the recording with a simple push on the talk block.  You can insert little pictures into the block to match with the recording.  These blocks are great for conveying activity instructions, assessing, and reinforcing skills.  They are a great augmentative communication tool.


The Go Talk 20+ is a communication tool that is lightweight, durable and easy to use.  It has one inch buttons that can produce 5 messages each and 100 messages in total.  It is a great augmentative communication device that allows assistance and curriculum reinforcement.  It is a great tool for augmentative communication with fifteen minutes of recordable time.




Accessibility: 
An input device is any device that feeds data into a computer.  Keyboards are input devices.

Intellikeys are an input device designed for special needs students and students with disabilities.  It is a touch sensitive device with changeable overlays for different configurations.  This device can aid students with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities who has difficulty using a standard keyboard.  The universal design of the overlays provides large, well-spaced keys in high contrast colors to help students locate letters, numbers, words, and directional arrows.



Smart Click is software that is made for special needs users who can operate a pointing device, but cannot click.  The soft ware uses the hover method to select items for the special needs user.  With smart click the user can click, double click, right click, and drag items on the screen.  This type of software is perfect for allowing everyone accessibility to electronic devices.    

..............




I commented on Raihana and Amanda's blogs about their Journal #8
http://disneywoc03.blogspot.com/......http://rsyonus.blogspot.com/..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................